Discover the top 10 trending cat breeds of 2024! From majestic Maine Coons to elegant Siamese, explore the most sought-after feline companions of the year, complete with fascinating insights into their unique characteristics and personalities.
CFA Names Nation’s Most Popular Felines
Top 10 cat breeds in 2024
The Cat Fanciers’ Association, the world’s largest registry of pedigree cats, has announced which cat breeds were most popular in 2024.
Of the 42 cat breeds recognized by the CFA, the top 10 feline companions listed below are those which Americans preferred to take home in the past year.
Check out Top 10 Cat Breeds 2016 infographic with fun facts and at-a-glance top health conditions.
1. Devon Rex Cats
The Devon Rex is called by many names such as, an alien cat, a cat that looks like a bat. This breed’s adorable looks have captivated cat enthusiasts worldwide, while its charming, whimsical and playful nature has endeared it to families everywhere.
It is also known to behave more like a dog than like a cat.
With its unique appearance, the breed has captured the attention of cat lovers worldwide—and the hearts of its families with its lovable, quirky and mischievous personality.
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2. Maine Coon Cats
One of the oldest natural breeds in North America, Maine Coon cats are known for their intelligence and playfulness, as well as their size. These domestic cats, among the largest breeds, are affectionately known as “gentle giants.”
Maine Coons are also known for their shaggy coats and rugged appearance. Full-grown male Maine Coons can grow to be 30 lbs., with females weighing a little less.
These majestic cats typically reach their peak size between three and five years of age. Maine Coons are characterized by their affectionate nature, high energy level and extraordinary intelligence, making them easily trainable. They exhibit dog-like behaviors, such as following their owner from room to room, responding to calls, and even playing fetch.
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3. Sphynx Cats
The Sphynx, a curly, hairless cat with large ears, eyes and high cheekbones, is one of the newer breeds. According to the CFA, the first Sphynx was born in Canada in 1966.
Hairlessness, a genetic abnormality, was the result of Mother Nature and occurs approximately once every 15 years.
Since then, the Sphynx has been known as the Traditional Shorthair cat and then bred back to hairless to create a genetically sound and healthy breed. The unique look of the breed has caught the attention of many cat lovers. Though rare, it has recently become one of the most in-demand cats in the U.S. The Sphynx is definitely a “people cat”.
They are energetic, silly and playful, and love to be the center of attention. The Sphynx is not an outdoor cat. Because their skin is exposed, Sphynx cats need to be protected from the elements. That doesn’t mean they can’t go outside; just that they should not live outdoors.
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4. Scottish Fold Cats
Gentle and charming, numerous Scottish fold cats possess a distinctive feature that cannot be compared to any other cat: folded ears that give them an owl-like charm. Scottish fold cats are known to possess an easy-going nature, and to be very loving and friendly with people and other household pets. This breed, outgoing and playful, tends to become particularly attached to one family member. The Scottish fold cat is also known for its soft voice and the ability to “speak” in a variety of different-sounding purrs and meows not commonly heard in many other cat breeds.
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5. American Shorthair Cats
The American Shorthair cat holds the honorable title of “America’s breed,” tracing its origins back to early settlers who brought the first cats of this type from Europe. Today, it remains a favorite choice for families, consistently ranking among the top 10 most popular cat breeds. The breed is known to have a very even temperament with a good disposition and keen intelligence. Another testament to its mellow nature is the shorthair’s ability to get along with other pets and its gentle nature around children. A short-haired cat is often considered the ideal companion for a busy family with children.
6.Abyssinian Cats
Abys, as they are lovingly called, are the fourth most popular cat breed according to statistics from the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats. Beautiful and regal looking, Abyssinians are easy to care for and make ideal pets for cat lovers.
Abyssinians are not typically lap cats, but are affectionate, loyal and generally get along well with children and other pets. Abyssinians are famous for their curious nature and exploration of their surroundings. They are friendly cats, eager to get involved in the events around them.
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7.Persian Cats
Recognized for their gentle, relaxed demeanor, as well as their loving round eyes and sweet faces, Persian cats are prized for their affectionate and calm nature. They tend to be creatures of habit, which adds to their appeal and makes them a favorite breed among cat enthusiasts. Persian cats are not only the most popular breed, but they also have the distinction of being one of the oldest breeds, with a rich history spanning centuries.
In fact, hieroglyphics reference their origination as far back a 1684 B.C. They are believed to have originated in Persia (now Iran) and the cats were named after their supposed “country of origin”. Although the breed has evolved over time in color and body type, one thing has remained the same: its thick and full fur. Ideally, Persians should be groomed at least once a day to prevent knots and matting of the fur. Persians should also be bathed occasionally to maintain a clean and healthy coat.
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8.British Shorthair
It’s believed that the Romans brought the British shorthair to England during the first century, at which time the strainco-existed and bred with wild pussycats native to England. numerous times latterly, the British Shorthair was crossed with Persian pussycats, which slightly changed the cat’s appearance and bettered the consistence of its fleece.
Not only does this strain rank largely as one of the most popular cat types, but it frequently appears on TV defenses, on movie sets, and in erudite workshop. You may indeed fete the British Shorthair from its appearance in announcements for several whiskas brands. The cat raised from the dead in Stephen King’s Pet Sematary( “ Winston Churchill ”) was a British shorthair, as was “ Arlene ” in Garfield The Movie and the “ Cheshire Cat ” in
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9. Ragdoll Cats
Ragdoll pussycats are known for their calm and tender nature, earning their surname” canine- cat” due to their canine- suchlike personality traits. Their name comes from their tendency to relax and come lazy when confined, making them a favorite among cat suckers. As one of the largest types, Ragdolls are also exceptionally friendly and seek out mortal company, frequently following their possessors around the house and enjoying leverages and cuddles at every occasion. This strain is particularly good with children and other faves and is fluently trained to learn the same tricks as tykes , similar as playing cost, rolling over or soliciting.
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10. Exotic Shorthair Cats
For the third time in a row, the fantastic cat has been named as America’s most popular registered cat, knocking the Persian off the tribune again after 31 times as the reigning No. 1 strain. The fantastic( also called the fantastic shorthair by some cat associations) is a cross between Persians and American Shorthairs. fantastic pussycats are bred to meet the Persian standard in nearly every way with one exception their fleeces.
Exotics, unlike their Persian cousins, point shorter, thicker fleeces that bear lower conservation, appealing to those who appreciate the Persian’s personality but prefer to avoid the time and trouble associated with diurnal grooming. The fantastic personality tends to mimic that of a Persian sweet, tender and sportful. fantastic pussycats are known for their lesser affection and fidelity compared to other nimble types, and frequently show a partiality for following their possessors around the house.
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